Oregon football: 'Play to the whistle! Play to the whistle!'

Yellow flags were flying at Oregon’s practice Wednesday, and this was no officiated scrimmage.

Team managers on the sidelines were waving the flags when the whistle sounded. That way, when reviewing the film (with no audio on the cameras), coaches know exactly when the play ended and who went all-out until the whistle.

On Wednesday, coach Chip Kelly made his point through receiver D.J. Davis. After catching a pass for a long gain, Davis eased up before any whistle sounded.

“Play to the whistle! Play to the whistle!’’ Kelly screamed.

Seconds later, every player was doing up-downs on the Moshofsky Center turf as punishment for Davis’ moment of leisure.

“We’re just going to get their heart rate up,’’ Kelly said. “We can do it doing up-downs, or we can do it during 11-on-11s – one way or the other.’’

Linebacker Spencer Paysinger said it’s theme of the spring – overall intensity and running to the ball. It’s how the Ducks believe they were successful last season and how they believe they will continue that success.